The Decision and the Debate: Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Abstract

This thesis examines the historiography of why we dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It continues with original research on Henry Stimson and Atomic Diplomacy, and concludes with the creation of several lesson plans for High School students, tied to specific NYS Social Studies Learning Standards. The first lesson is designed to have students learn about the historical controversy surrounding the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Using critical thinking and analysis, they are to reflect upon what they know and feel about the bombings, analyze what the textbooks say about them, research the differing historical perspectives, and write a passage that both provides information about the bombings and covers the historical controversy behind them. The second lesson is designed to teach students about the historical controversy surrounding the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Using critical thinking and analysis, they are to reflect upon what they know about the bombings, examine how the exhibit presented them and why it stirred controversy, research the differing historical perspectives, and produce a proposal for a revised exhibit that both provides information about the events and covers the historical controversy behind them. The thesis concludes with several resources for teachers to use.